Romney Fukofuka was stopped by Customs at Auckland Airport in May 2020. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
An RnB singer caught smuggling meth from the United States in his carry-on during a Covid-19 lockdown has been jailed for more than seven years.
Romney Fukofuka, also known by the stage name 'Konecs', was stopped by Customs at Auckland Airport in May 2020 with more than 19 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Through phone messages and CCTV footage, it was found he was also conspiring with four airport baggage workers to import it.
The 28-year-old has been jailed for seven years and three months.
The National Drug Intelligence Bureau said the bust may have been worth between $7.8 million and $11.6m.
Some of the meth. Photo: Supplied / NZ Customs
Customs began Operation Santana in April 2020, and uncovered evidence including encrypted phone messaging, swipe card data, and CCTV footage that linked Fukofuka's involvement with four 'trusted insider' baggage handlers who were meant to take the bag.
Investigations manager Cam Moore said the sentencing today was the culmination of a lot of hard work, intelligence gathering and investigations, which put the spotlight on a criminal enterprise long before members of it realised authorities were onto them.
"Customs is well-aware of ongoing efforts by organised crime groups to tempt, bribe or even coerce people working at border entry points and in New Zealand's supply chain. These criminals aren't interested in the people they exploit, only the profits they can make from targeting our communities," Moore said.
"Our message is clear - don't do it. Organised criminal groups don't care about what happens to you or your families. It's not worth the risk or repercussions."
Customs said it had received assistance from the Police National Organised Crime Group, US Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations to bring Operation Santana to a successful conclusion.
Evidence gathered also helped with Operation Selena, which saw at least 25 people arrested, including a number of baggage handlers, along with millions of dollars in assets seized, including two Auckland properties, a number of vehicles, and large sums of cash.